Israel Partially Lifts its Blockade of Gaza – and Lifts Hope for Peace

An inkling of hope for Middle East peace may be one result of Thursday’s decision by Israel to ease its three-year-old blockade of basic goods for the Palestinian enclave of Gaza.

Food and many other home goods will now be allowed to flow past Israeli checkpoints, as well as much-needed construction materials for civilian projects, which offers the poor Gazans – who are nearly totally dependent on aid – prospects for a slightly better life.

The US recently joined up with Europe, the United Nations, and Russia (“the Quartet”) to pressure Israel on easing the blockade. The result of this collective foreign pressure was Israel’s apparently reluctant decision.